CAMP BULLIS.
On March 4th, the regiment with its two batteries of guns and six hundred-odd animals
marched out to Camp Bullis (Leon Springs) for target practice. It was here that reconnaissance
gun squads were first able to put into practice their gun drill, which had in the beginning been
executed on make-shift carriages of wood and later perfected by work on the eight three-inch
pieces, which had been assigned to the regiment. Major General Allen was present at the fifing,
which was the first of an artillery unit of the Ninetieth Division. He complimented the firing of
Battery “D” gunners very highly. It was during these ten days of target practice that most of the
young officers of the regiment had their first experience in fire control.
WE FIRE OUR FIRST BARRAGE.
On April 14th, the regiment made a second trip to Camp Bullis and the same sort of
problems were worked out, but this time special features were emphasized; firing from bilateral
and unilateral observation; also night firing. On the 17th of April, with two batteries firing, both
an offensive and defensive barrage were executed. This was witnessed by Major General
Ruckman, commanding Southern Department, and by all officers of the Division, During both of
the stays at Camp Bullis classes in reconnaissance, orientation, and signal work were conducted,
and it is probable that the four weeks spent at Camp Bullis were the most profitable of the
training in the States. In all 8500 rounds were fired at the two practices.
MEDINA DAM.
On May 13th, the regiment started on a two days hike to Medina Dam. Full field train
accompanied the regiment. The object of the march was to give drill in making and breaking
camp and in road marching. On May 15th, we arrived at the Dam. Here we stayed two days,
allowing the men to take a rest and enjoy bathing, boating, and fishing. The regiment returned to
its station May 18th. On May 27th, the third trip was made to Camp Bullis – one day’s march, to
the target range; one day’s target practice; and one day’s march returning. Upon this occasion
that part of our ammunition allowance which remained was fired.
OUR ORDERS COME IN.
Upon returning to Camp Travis orders to proceed over-seas were received. At once all
property that was not to be taken abroad was turned in. Many inspections were made in order to
bring the men up to the point where they were fully equipped for over-seas service. On the
morning of June 11th, the regiment departed from Camp Travis in two sections; the first
commanded by Colonel Faulkner, the second by Lt. Colonel Frankenberger. Every man had a
berth in the Pullman cars and mess facilities were very well handled, consequently the trip was
an enjoyable one. The route led through southern Texas across the Mississippi at Baton Rouge,
Louisiana. Here we remained several hours, much to our disgust, for it was very warm – that
type of swamp heat to which few Texans were accustomed. Next morning we passed through
Memphis, Tennessee, where men of the second train were able to get off and take a march to the
Y. M. C. A. for a swim.
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